In article , Rian van der Borgt
writes
The existence of a national ID card doesn't necessarily mean that it
would be obligatory to carry one or even to posess one.

Indeed. The previous government said they'd make the Driving Licence
into a "voluntary ID Card". After all, it's not compulsory for people to
be able to drive cars.

The current scheme would make it voluntary for anyone who wanted state
benefits, including all healthcare. And maybe if you wanted to be
employed. So remove the employed, and those claiming unemployment
benefit, and who do you have left?

As for not having to carry it, every analysis of ID cards post-9/11
suggests that for them to have the effect that is "advertised" they need
to "leave a trail wherever the suspect goes". Which means it has to be
compulsory to carry it, and there need to be plenty of triggers
requiring the holder to present it.

To get back onto topic for uk.transport.london, the Oyster Card fulfils
many of these obligations, because it records everywhere you've been.

You could see it as a cheap passport for travelling within the EU.

The proposed cost to citizens isn't much less than a passport.
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